There are multiple species of tegu that have been introduced into the Florida wildlife. While only one, the Argentine black and white tegu (Salvator merianae), has been currently labeled a threat the ecosystem. Both the gold tegu (Tupinambis teguixin) and the red tegu (Salvator rufescens) have the capability of becoming invasive species. The Argentine black and white tegu were introduced to Florida mostly through the pet trade and from individuals releasing their pet tegus. Argentine black and white tegus can grow up to 4 feet long, the gold tegu growing up to 3 feet, and the red tegu can clock in at 4.5 feet long. Tegus are omnivores and will eat both fruits and vegetables as well as eggs, insects, cat and dog food, or even small lizards and rodents. Tegus in Florida have been particularly damaging to crocodile and sea turtle populations as they dig up the nests and eat the eggs. They have also damaged the ground nesting birds population by consuming the eggs and will eat whatever small mammals they can get a hold of. If you see a wild tegu in South Florida, you can report a sighting to 1-888-IVE-GOT1, online at IveGot1.org, or by downloading and reporting on the IveGot1 reporting app. And remember don’t release your pets into the wild! https://www.evergladescisma.org/the-dirty-dozen/tegu-lizards/ Comments are closed.
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AuthorsHello! We are three students trying to inform the public on the invasive species of South Florida. |